Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion Women Only Message Board 1st Rheumy Appt practices

I just switched to a new rheumy. In our first appointment, he did a breast exam. This struck me as a little weird, since my last rheumy did not do this at any time in the 5 years I went to him. Has anyone else had a breast exam as a part of their exam? Just wondering if this is common.

*Sparkle*

No, and I think that is REALLY WEIRD.
-Karen-

WHEW! I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks so! I'll be glad to hear more women's experience as well. It creeps me out a little ... maybe I need to try another Dr., since he has also set off some other red flags for me.
*Sparkle*

Run to the nearest exit. Never has any rhuemy done a breast exam.

That's really bizarre. I would definitely not be going back to him if I were you...

(Did he find anything? )

oooh, that's weird! NEVER heard of that...
I'd ditch this guy.

Thanks, friends. Confirmation is a very comforting thing. I appreciate your input.

Did he find anything? Well -- the're pretty nice, and he did cop a pretty good feel, so I suppose he did find fodder for his dreams... little perp!

*Sparkle*

I think I would report that. It is just too creepy. For sure don't go back there. Every so often I read in the paper or hear on the news about perv. docs or dentists who do things like that. Imagine that their judgement is impared, so don't let him treat you.
-Karen-

I wouldn't go back to him either - I've been to many different rheumy's over the past 15 years and never have any of them done a breast exam.

Sparkle, I sent you a PM. Just go to "my profile" upper rt. side of posts.
-Karen-

My rhuemy made sure to tell me that "the robe opened in the back!" . I work for a doc and that doesn't sound "right". Maybe call the office manager and ask what the protocal was for a breast exam. Just on the off chance it has some weird explanation. Then when it doesn't REPORT HIM!!

Have seen three different rheumies and never had any of them pay the slightest attention to my breasts, certainly didn't examine them.
Lee

that is CREEPY! I agree that you should call and report him. Who knows what else the guy might try with someone.....weird{{{{{{(shudder}}}}}
Gail

I've never had ANYONE do a breast exam except my ob-gyn doctor. I can't for the life of me understand why he would need to do a breast exam. If he can't give you a good reason for why he felt the need to do one, I'd report him to the medical board.

I really think you should report this guy. There is absolutely no reason for a rheumatologist to do a breast exam. Trust your instincts.

My OB/GYN does a breast exam during my yearly checkup, but it is in no way creepy and takes him less than a 90 seconds.

My internist (female) also does one during my yearly physical and it also takes her less than 90 seconds.

Even when I went to a rheumy for my costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs) he had me hold my breast out of the way while he examined the rib cage area.

I think this guy is a creepazoid.

mouse

Girlfriends, thank you so much for your opinions. I was kind of taken aback when he asked if he could do a breast exam. His nurse was there, and I kind of think he does this all the time. You know, they put you in the room, give you a little gown and tell you to strip to the waist -- kind of like a car salesman, taking you to his ofice to pressure you and separate you from your wits. When he asked to do the breast exam, I couldn't think why it would be necessary, but I thought "surely" he wouldn't ask unless it was necessary. However, later it just struck me as strange, and I wondered if anyone else had this experience. By the way, the only other "structural" tests he did were to have me look over both shoulders, and to bend forward while he held my gown in the back... that gave me the creeps, too.

Other red flags for me were that his questions were phrased to get my current level of pain, without concern for my history (helllloooo???? this is a chronic, multi-phased disorder -- history counts!)... just so happened that when I saw him for the first time, I was in non-flare and on anti-inflamm drugs, so tests didn't show much. History includes SI pain, lumbar & thoracic stiffness, iritis, B27+, hip and knee involvement, sleep disorder, night sweats -- yet he failed to record these and actually shushed me when I tried to interject. Oh -- and he actually told me it was a "man's disease," so I probably had something else, but he didn't say what -- even though I've been diagnosed by another rheumy in another state! He said he would be "hard pressed to prove AS in a court of law."

OMG! Reading it now, I can't figure what my hesitation was! I should have fired him the first day! I actually only saw him 2x, so have only wasted 2 months.

I started the ball rolling yesterday to get a new rheumy. I've never had to fire a doc before, but I have to tell you the sense of relief I have, at knowing I'll not be seeing him again, is immense! I'm glad for your support, and I know this will be a positive step as I go through this process of finding a new someone to be my partner in health.

The new doc comes with a recommendation from someone my mom knows, so I'm crossing my fingers. I asked my PCP to send chart notes to his office yesterday, and I should find out within a week if he will have room for me in his practice. PCP says his office is typically very busy, and he doesn't accept many new patients. I'm hoping that is a good sign. If I don't get in, there are a few others in town to try.

I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for the support and confirmation. This is an awesome group!

*Sparkle*

What a weirdo! When would he ever need to "prove it in a court"?? That is just lame!
So glad you are outathere. -Karen-